Nachos Supreme

Nachos Supreme is the ultimate crowd-pleaser when it comes to sharing food. Imagine golden, crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, and a generous amount of melted cheese, topped with fresh and colorful ingredients like tomatoes, olives, onions, and cilantro. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and zesty flavors.

This dish is not just delicious, it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, switch the beef for chicken or beans for a vegetarian option, or spice it up with extra jalapeños. Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners, Nachos Supreme is a fun, interactive dish that everyone will enjoy digging into.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 can refried beans (16 ounces)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/2 cup diced red onions

• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup guacamole

• 1/2 cup salsa

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and water, mixing until the beef is well coated and slightly saucy. Remove from heat.

4. On a large baking sheet, spread out half of the tortilla chips.

5. Layer with half of the refried beans, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.

6. Add the remaining chips on top and repeat the layers with beans, beef, and cheese.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

8. Remove from oven and top with tomatoes, black olives, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.

9. Serve immediately with sides of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Nachos Supreme: The Ultimate Tex-Mex Party Food

Few dishes embody the spirit of sharing and celebration like a hearty tray of Nachos Supreme. Piled high with crispy tortilla chips, seasoned beef, melted cheese, beans, and vibrant toppings, this dish has become a staple at parties, game nights, family gatherings, and even casual dinners. Nachos are one of those versatile creations that can be endlessly customized, making them perfect for different tastes and occasions.

While basic nachos may be as simple as chips and cheese, Nachos Supreme elevate the experience by adding layers of flavor and texture that create a truly indulgent platter. They’re not only a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes, with their colorful presentation of reds, greens, yellows, and whites, all contrasting beautifully against golden tortilla chips.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Nachos Supreme: their history, the art of building the perfect nacho platter, tips for making them at home, variations to try, and why they remain such an iconic dish in Tex-Mex cuisine.

The History of Nachos

The story of nachos begins in Mexico, in the border town of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, in 1943. Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, a maître d’ at a local restaurant, improvised a snack for hungry guests using just what he had on hand: tortilla chips, melted cheese, and pickled jalapeños. This simple but brilliant creation quickly spread across the border into Texas and became popular in the United States, eventually evolving into the versatile dish we know today.

Over the decades, nachos have transformed from a quick appetizer to a customizable meal in their own right. With the influence of Tex-Mex cuisine, cooks began experimenting by adding beans, ground beef, chicken, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Today, Nachos Supreme are considered the “fully loaded” version of this dish, bringing together the best flavors of Mexican and American comfort food.

What Makes Nachos Supreme Different?

Nachos Supreme are often referred to as the “ultimate” nacho platter because they go beyond the basics. Instead of stopping at cheese and jalapeños, they feature:

• Protein: Usually seasoned ground beef, though chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options are common.

• Beans: Refried beans or black beans add heartiness and flavor.

• Cheese: A mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack ensures gooey, stretchy perfection.

• Toppings: Fresh tomatoes, onions, olives, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

The combination of warm, savory ingredients with cool, fresh toppings creates a dynamic balance. Every bite is different, offering a new texture or flavor.

Building the Perfect Nacho Platter

Making nachos at home might seem simple, but achieving the perfect platter requires some technique. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Nachos Supreme come out restaurant-quality:

1. Choose the Right Chips: Thick, sturdy tortilla chips work best. Thin chips tend to get soggy quickly under the weight of toppings.

2. Layering Matters: Avoid the dreaded “chip wasteland” by layering ingredients in stages: chips, beans, meat, cheese, repeat. This ensures every bite has a good mix.

3. Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Cheese is the glue that holds nachos together. Use a blend of cheeses for flavor and meltability.

4. Bake, Don’t Microwave: Baking the nachos in the oven melts the cheese evenly and keeps the chips crisp.

5. Add Fresh Toppings After Baking: Ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream should be added just before serving to maintain freshness.

6. Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about Nachos Supreme is how versatile they are. You can adapt them to suit dietary preferences, flavor profiles, or even just what you have in the fridge. Here are some fun variations:

• Vegetarian Nachos Supreme: Swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables.

• Chicken Nachos Supreme: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in taco seasoning.

• Seafood Nachos: Try shrimp or even spicy tuna for a unique twist.

• Breakfast Nachos: Replace beef with scrambled eggs, add crumbled bacon or sausage, and top with cheese and avocado.

• BBQ Nachos: Substitute taco meat with pulled pork or brisket and drizzle with barbecue sauce.

• Vegan Nachos: Use plant-based meat alternatives and vegan cheese, along with dairy-free sour cream.

The possibilities are nearly endless, which is part of what makes nachos such a beloved dish.

Serving Suggestions

Nachos Supreme can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. For a party, they work perfectly alongside other Tex-Mex classics like tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. They’re also a natural fit for game-day spreads, where everyone can grab a handful and enjoy.

Pairing nachos with drinks can elevate the experience. Beer is a classic choice, especially crisp lagers or light ales that balance out the richness. Margaritas or sparkling cocktails also complement the zesty, cheesy flavors. For a family-friendly meal, iced tea or flavored sparkling water are great non-alcoholic pairings.

Tips for Hosting with Nachos Supreme

If you’re planning to serve Nachos Supreme for a group, here are a few extra tips:

• Make Individual Trays: Instead of one large platter, consider making smaller trays for each person to avoid soggy chips.

• Set Up a Nacho Bar: Provide bowls of toppings and let guests build their own nachos to taste.

• Keep It Warm: If serving over a long period, use a warming tray or oven set to low heat to keep nachos fresh.

Why Nachos Supreme Remain a Favorite

The beauty of Nachos Supreme lies in their simplicity and adaptability. They’re quick to make, satisfying to eat, and customizable for nearly any crowd. They offer the perfect mix of indulgence and freshness, crunch and creaminess, heat and coolness. Whether you’re making them for a quick family dinner or a festive party, they always deliver big flavor and fun.

Conclusion

Nachos Supreme are more than just a snack, they’re an experience. With roots in Mexican cuisine and a strong presence in Tex-Mex culture, they’ve become a beloved dish worldwide. Their appeal comes from the balance of flavors, the ability to customize, and the joy of sharing food with others.

Whether you stick to the classic beef and cheese combination or experiment with new toppings and flavors, Nachos Supreme will always be a dish that brings people together. So, next time you’re planning a party or simply craving comfort food, whip up a platter of these fully loaded nachos. With every crunchy, cheesy, zesty bite, you’ll see why they’re called Supreme.